Helena Frye
Netflix's Last Chance U: Basketball is a documentary series that follows the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Huskies, a junior college basketball team. The series showcases the players' journeys, both on and off the court, as they strive for scholarships and a chance to play at Division I universities. The show highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by these athletes, some of whom have dealt with injuries, academic issues, or legal troubles, in their pursuit of success and a better life. The intimate access granted to the filmmakers allows viewers to witness not just the games and practices but also the players' personal lives, providing a raw and emotional perspective on the world of junior college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of show | Documentary |
| Genre | Sports |
| Number of seasons | 2 |
| Number of episodes | 8 |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Production house | Last Chance U |
| Director(s) | Adam Leibowitz, Daniel George McDonald, and Greg Whiteley (creator) |
| College | East Los Angeles College (ELAC) |
| Team | Huskies |
| Division | I or II |
| Players | Joseph Hampton, Jordan Polynice, Levelle Zeigler, Kealan (KJ) Allen, Deshaun Highler, Malik Muhammad, Josh Phillips, Damani Whitlock, and more |
| Coach | John Mosley |
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What You'll Learn
The East Los Angeles Huskies
The series followed the Huskies' journey in the 2019-2020 season, where they advanced through a nearly 30-game season, seeded high in the playoffs, and earned a spot in an eight-team state championship tournament in San Francisco. This path not only led them toward a potential state title but also maximized their exposure to college recruitment.
Several players from the Huskies have gone on to achieve their dreams, earning scholarships to play Division I basketball or taking their talents to professional leagues. For example, Deshaun Highler, a key player for the Huskies, continued his basketball journey at Sacramento State University, showcasing his skills and determination in the NCAA. KJ Allen, a fan favorite, balanced athletics and studies in a competitive Division I environment, first at the University of Southern California and later at Texas Tech.
Joe Hampton, a former Division I player at Penn State before an ACL injury, rejoined the ranks of junior college basketball with the Huskies. After a successful season at ELAC, he committed to Long Beach State University, a top-tier Division I program, where he averaged 9.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Hampton's perseverance in the face of injuries has led him to play professionally in Colombia.
The Huskies' stories transcend basketball, embodying resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness beyond their community college roots. Their journeys inspire marginalized athletes and steer the next generation toward success, both on and off the court.
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Players' personal stories
"Last Chance U: Basketball" is a Netflix documentary series that premiered in December 2022. The show follows the East Los Angeles Huskies, a junior college basketball team with players hoping to pursue careers at Division I or Division II universities. Here are some of the players' personal stories:
Joseph (Joe) Hampton
Joe Hampton, a former four-star recruit, once felt destined for the NBA. Before joining the East Los Angeles Huskies, Hampton played Division 1 basketball at Penn State but suffered a torn ACL that halted his season. He then dropped out of Penn State and started over at the junior college level. After a successful season at ELAC, he committed to Long Beach State University, a highly competitive Division 1 program. However, his career was plagued by injuries, including a broken wrist that stalled his NBA dreams. Hampton struggled with his temper during his time on the show, often arguing with officials and storming off the court. Upon watching himself on the series, he felt embarrassed and hoped to never repeat his past behaviour.
Deshaun Highler
Deshaun Highler was a key player for the Huskies and led his team to an almost undefeated season as a strong point guard. After his time at ELAC, Highler pursued his basketball dreams and now plays professionally in Colombia.
KJ Allen
KJ Allen, a fan favourite, committed to the University of Southern California after the first season and later transferred to Texas Tech. He continues to balance athletics and studies in a competitive Division I environment.
Bryan Penn-Johnson
Bryan Penn-Johnson transferred from the University of Washington to Louisiana State University (LSU). He faced academic issues and dealt with homelessness while taking care of his sister. Penn-Johnson also experienced limited playing time due to being on a highly talented roster.
Demetrius Calip II
Demetrius Calip II is a transfer from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Shemar Morrow
Shemar Morrow was a former Ohio high school star who was dubbed "the next LeBron" as a sixth-grader but did not receive any Division I opportunities.
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The impact of intimate access
The Netflix docuseries Last Chance U: Basketball offers an intimate look at the lives of its junior college basketball players. The series goes beyond the basketball court, following players both on and off the court as they navigate personal struggles, academic challenges, and behavioural and legal issues. This raw and honest portrayal has impacted viewers by providing insight into the challenges faced by athletes in marginalised communities and showcasing the resilience and ambition required to pursue their dreams.
The series highlights the stories of individuals who have faced setbacks, such as injuries, limited playing time, or academic issues, and their determination to overcome these obstacles. For example, Joseph Hampton, a former Division I basketball player at Penn State, joined the East Los Angeles Huskies after a torn ACL derailed his season. Despite this setback, Hampton went on to have a successful season at the junior college level, committing to Long Beach State University and later playing professionally in Colombia.
The intimate access granted to the filmmakers allows viewers to witness the emotional struggles faced by the players and the impact of real-life events, such as the death of Kobe Bryant and the coronavirus pandemic. The series captures the grind of the athletes' daily lives, showcasing the hard work and perseverance required to launch successful careers in basketball. It also provides a platform for underrepresented athletes, such as autistic player Josh Phillips, to share their stories and inspire others.
The impact of this intimate access is felt not only by viewers but also by the athletes themselves. The series has helped to raise the profiles of the featured players, with some going on to secure scholarships at Division I universities and others pursuing professional careers in leagues both within the United States and internationally. The exposure from the series has provided a platform for these athletes to showcase their talent and determination, helping them to take significant strides towards their ambitions.
Overall, the intimate access granted to the filmmakers of Last Chance U: Basketball has had a profound impact. It has allowed viewers to develop a deeper investment in the players and their journeys, while also providing a platform for these athletes to share their stories and pursue their dreams. The series has highlighted the resilience and ambition of athletes in junior college basketball, showcasing the challenges and triumphs they face both on and off the court.
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Players' post-show careers
The Netflix series "Last Chance U: Basketball" follows the basketball program at East Los Angeles College (ELAC), a junior college team that has become a title contender under head coach John Mosley. The show highlights the journeys of various basketball players striving for success and a potential future in the NBA. Let's take a look at what some of these athletes have been up to since their appearance on the show:
Joe Hampton
Joe Hampton has had a remarkable journey since his time with the ELAC Huskies. He has played for multiple teams, including Long Beach State, a Division I program in the Big West. Hampton faced a setback with a wrist injury in the 2021-22 season, but he persevered and is now playing professionally. He showcased his talent in Colombia and, more recently, in Ecuador with Leones de Riobamba SC.
Deshaun Highler
Deshaun Highler, a key player for the Huskies, has also pursued his basketball dreams. He played for Sacramento State University and has since taken his talents to international leagues. Highler played in Colombia for Cimarrones del Choco and represented the Future Sports USA team at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. He continues to make waves in his basketball career.
KJ Allen
KJ Allen, a fan favorite from ELAC, has balanced his athletics and studies diligently. After committing to USC initially, he later transferred to Texas Tech, where he played limited minutes during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Allen's commitment to the game remains strong, and he continues to pursue his dreams.
Malik Muhammad
Malik Muhammad has leveraged his education to understand the business of sports alongside his athletic pursuits. He has found success in Colombian basketball, playing for teams such as Piratas de Bogota. Muhammad continues to eye professional leagues, showcasing how talent and hard work can lead to international opportunities.
Dezmond Washington
Dezmond Washington, a returning player from season 2, has balanced basketball and his role as a father. He transferred to the University of Minnesota-Crookston's Golden Eagles, where he is also pursuing an education in general studies to prepare for life beyond basketball.
Bryan Penn-Johnson
Bryan Penn-Johnson, a dominant member of the ELAC Huskies, is now playing Division I basketball at Cal Poly. Standing at 7'1" and weighing 235 pounds, he is making an impact for the Mustangs, averaging 3.5 points, nearly 2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game.
The players of "Last Chance U: Basketball" have demonstrated resilience and ambition, both on and off the court. They continue to chase their dreams, with some even reaching professional leagues and international arenas.
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$34.99
Junior college athletics
Each member college of the NJCAA is allotted to a specific region upon joining the association, usually based on its geographic location. Within each region, member colleges can adopt and formalise their own regulations, rules, and procedures, as long as they do not conflict with the NJCAA constitution and bylaws. The three divisions of the NJCAA are:
- Division I: Colleges may offer full athletic scholarships, covering tuition, fees, room and board, course-related books and supplies, and transportation costs.
- Division II: Colleges are limited to awarding tuition, fees, course-related books, and up to $250 in course-required supplies.
- Division III: There is no specific information on Division III in the sources provided, beyond its existence.
The NJCAA originally only allowed male competitors until 1975, when it established a women's division following the enactment of Title IX. The association is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, having previously been located in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
One notable example of junior college athletics is the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Huskies, featured in the Netflix documentary series "Last Chance U: Basketball." The series showcases the potential within junior college basketball to launch successful careers, with players like Joe Hampton, Deshaun Highler, and KJ Allen going on to play at a Division I level or professionally overseas.
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Frequently asked questions
Last Chance U: Basketball is a documentary series by Netflix that follows the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Huskies. The series highlights the struggles and triumphs of junior college basketball players working to launch their careers.
Last Chance U: Basketball primarily focuses on junior college (JUCO) athletics. The players featured in the series aim to secure scholarships and return to Division I or Division II universities.
Last Chance U: Basketball features several compelling narratives. One example is Joseph Hampton, a six-foot-eight power forward who previously played Division I basketball at Penn State before an ACL injury. Another player, Josh Phillips, is autistic and faces stigma in the sports world. The series also captures the raw emotions of team captain Deshaun Highler and the team's reaction to Kobe Bryant's death.
